16 Somvar Vrat Kaise Karein – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Vidhi, Katha & Samagri List)
The 16 Somvar Vrat — also known as Solah Somvar Vrat — is one of the most powerful and beloved fasts observed by devotees of Lord Shiva. Performed over 16 consecutive Mondays, this vrat is believed to fulfil wishes, remove obstacles, attract a good life partner, and bring peace and prosperity into your home.
Whether you are observing the vrat for the first time or looking for a clear, complete guide — this post covers everything: the Somvar Vrat Vidhi, what to eat, what to avoid, the complete 16 Somvar Vrat Katha in simple language, and the full puja samagri list.
What is the 16 Somvar Vrat?
The 16 Somvar Vrat is a series of 16 Monday fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva (Bholenath). It is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and has been observed for thousands of years across India. Devotees observe this vrat to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for:
- Finding a good and devoted life partner (especially unmarried women)
- Harmony and happiness in married life
- Health, prosperity, and financial stability
- Fulfilment of heartfelt wishes and desires
- Relief from obstacles and negative energies
When to Start the 16 Somvar Vrat
The vrat can be started on any Shravan Somvar (Monday in the holy month of Shravan), Mahashivratri, or any auspicious Monday. Many devotees also begin on the first Monday after a new moon. Once started, the fast must be observed on 16 consecutive Mondays without a break.
16 Somvar Vrat Samagri List
Before beginning the puja, gather the following items:
- Bel Patra (Bilva leaves) — most essential for Lord Shiva
- Gangajal (Ganga water) for abhishek
- Raw milk (Kaccha Doodh) for abhishek
- Akshat (unbroken rice) — get Akshat here
- Roli (Kumkum) — get Roli here
- Chandan (Sandalwood powder)
- Bhimseni Kapoor (camphor for aarti) — get Bhimseni Kapoor here
- Mauli (red sacred thread) — get Mauli here
- Diya and pure Desi Ghee — get Desi Ghee here
- Copper Kalash — get Copper Kalash here
- Gangajal — get Gangajal here
- Panchmeva (dry fruits offering) — get Panchmeva here
💡 Easiest option: Get the Solah Somvar Complete Samagri Kit — everything packed together and delivered to your door.
16 Somvar Vrat Vidhi — Step by Step
Step 1: Wake up early and take a bath
Rise before sunrise on Monday. Take a bath and wear clean white or light-coloured clothes. White is considered auspicious for Lord Shiva's worship.
Step 2: Set up your puja sthal
Clean your puja area. Place a Shivling (or a picture of Lord Shiva) on a clean cloth or wooden aasan. Arrange your samagri around it.
Step 3: Perform Abhishek
Pour Gangajal, raw milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar (Panchamrit) over the Shivling while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya". This is the most sacred part of the Somvar puja.
Step 4: Offer Bel Patra and flowers
Offer Bel Patra (in sets of 3 leaves), white flowers, Akshat, and apply Chandan and Roli tilak.
Step 5: Light the diya and camphor
Light a diya with Desi Ghee. Also light Bhimseni Kapoor for the aarti.
Step 6: Read the 16 Somvar Vrat Katha
The complete Solah Somvar Vrat Katha must be read or heard on each of the 16 Mondays. This is the heart of the vrat.
📖 Download the 16 Somvar Vrat Katha eBook (₹49) — complete katha, puja vidhi, samagri list and aarti in Hindi & English. Instant email delivery. Loved by devotees in India, USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
Step 7: Perform Aarti
Perform the Shiva Aarti (Jai Shiv Omkara) with a lit camphor diya while ringing the puja bell.
Step 8: Distribute Prasad
Offer Panchamrit as prasad along with fruits, mishri, and batashe to family members.
Step 9: The Fast (Upvas)
Eat only one meal in the evening after sunset. Allowed foods: sabudana khichdi, fruits, milk, sendha namak (rock salt). Avoid grains, regular salt, and non-vegetarian food throughout the day.
What is the 16 Somvar Vrat Katha About?
The Vrat Katha tells the story of a wealthy merchant who had built a magnificent Shiva temple but had no children. Lord Shiva appeared to his wife in a dream and blessed them with a son — but the son was destined to die at 16. While travelling, the son stopped at an ashram where a Somvar Vrat was being performed. He participated sincerely in the puja and katha. When the time of his death came and Lord Yama's messengers arrived, Lord Shiva himself appeared and saved the boy's life, granting him a long and prosperous life. The moral: sincere observance of this vrat with devotion can overcome even the gravest obstacles.
16 Somvar Vrat Udyapan — How to Conclude the Vrat
After completing 16 Mondays, the vrat is concluded with a special Udyapan puja on the 17th Monday:
- Perform a grand abhishek with Panchamrit
- Offer 16 types of puja items to Lord Shiva
- Invite Brahmins for bhoj (meal offering)
- Distribute prasad to family and community
You can also book the 16 Somvar Udyapan Puja online (₹499) — performed by expert Vedic pandits with full vidhi and sankalp sent to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can unmarried girls observe the 16 Somvar Vrat?
Yes — it is especially recommended for unmarried women seeking a devoted life partner through Lord Shiva's blessings.
Can men observe the 16 Somvar Vrat?
Absolutely. The vrat is for all devotees of Lord Shiva. Men observe it for prosperity, career growth, health, and wish fulfilment.
What if I miss a Monday?
Most traditions allow you to restart the count or compensate on the next available Monday if missed due to illness. However, it is best to observe all 16 without a break. Consult a pandit if unsure.
Can I observe the vrat living abroad (USA, UK, Canada, Australia)?
Yes — the vrat can be observed anywhere in the world with sincere devotion. Our 16 Somvar Vrat Katha eBook (Hindi & English) is especially popular among Indian devotees abroad who want to follow the complete vidhi from home. Instant download, works on any device.
Is there a workshop I can join to learn the vidhi?
Yes! Join our 16 Somvar Vrat Workshop Recording (₹199) — expert-led, step-by-step, available for instant access.
Everything You Need for 16 Somvar Vrat
- 📖 16 Somvar Vrat Katha eBook (₹49) — katha, vidhi, samagri list & aarti in Hindi & English
- 📦 Solah Somvar Vrat Starter Kit (₹999) — essential samagri to begin
- 📦 Solah Somvar Complete Samagri Kit (₹999) — all 16 weeks in one box
- 🎓 Workshop Recording (₹199) — learn the complete vidhi with expert guidance
- 🙏 Udyapan Puja Booking (₹499) — have expert pandits perform your Udyapan online
Har Har Mahadev. May Lord Shiva bless you with everything your heart seeks. 🕉️
